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British Orthopaedic Association (BOA)

We all know the attendant risks when riding motorcycles and the chances of being seriously hurt in the case of a motorcycle accident or crash - broken bones are quite likely!In my case, in an accident June 2006, my left leg wasn't broken in the usual sense, more like severley smashed! - I came very very close to loosing my left leg. In fact amputation remained a distinct possibility for more than12 months after the crash as despite surgery and the Taylor Spatial Frame holding my tibia together (see Gallery pages - My Motorcycle Crash) the main impact area, where my tibia was most badly damaged, refused to mend. Only after a 'cutting edge' surgical procedure was carried out with the insertion of BMP (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) and further adjustments to the external fixator (Taylor Spatial Frame) did the repair and regrowth of my tibia start.

Now (Feb2008) - I'm still unable to ride my motorcycle but am learning to walk unaided with physiotherapy sessions three times a week - but I do still have my leg thanks to the efforts of the orthopaedic consultants/surgeons who carried out the surgery to my leg on several occasions. I hope to be riding again soon!!

By the way, the senior consultant, Mr Atkins (actually Prof Atkins now:-) who looked after me at the Bristol Royal Infirmary is a member of the BOA Research Committee.

This is a charity organisation that all motorcyclists should consider making a donation to:

The BOA is the professional association for orthopaedic and trauma surgeons in the United Kingdom and those abroad who have had orthopaedic training in the UK or who show a continuing interest in the affairs of the Association.

The BOA was founded in 1918 and is the professional association for over 4000 surgeons and training surgeons treating injuries and disorders of bones, joints and their associated tissues. Today it is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, and is registered at the Companies House, number 03482958

The Objects of the BOAThese are the advancement for the public benefit of the Science, Art and Practice of Orthopaedic Surgery with the aim of bringing relief to patients of all ages suffering from the effects of injury or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Fund Raising - Joint ActionJoint Action is the British Orthopaedic Association’s orthopaedic research appeal. It is raising funds for vital research to improve patient care and the treatment of bone, muscle and joint diseases and injuries by funding high quality research in the UK.

One in two of us, in Britain, will need orthopaedic surgery at some time during our life;

Babies may be born with defects such as Club Foot, dislocated hips or muscle spasticity, which need skilled care and sometimes surgery.

Children may suffer from genetic or inherited disorders which limit normal growth and, for example, cause deformity or bones so fragile that they frequently break.

Otherwise young, fit people are regularly injured in sport and road traffic accidents; their resuscitation and care has improved dramatically.

Many older people suffer from painful crippling diseases, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. There have been major medical advances such as surgery with artificial joints and complex fracture repair, which have transformed innumerable lives. However, further advances are needed both in prevention and treatment.

British Orthopaedic surgeons are pioneers of surgical technology; for example, they developed the hip replacement and have played a leading role in cartilage grafting. Millions of people throughout the UK, and worldwide, have benefited from these breakthroughs. To stimulate research the World Health Organisation and the United Nations have declared this decade `The Bone and Joint Decade’.

To remain at the forefront of research into new treatments and technologies money is desperately needed. Orthopaedic research attracts less than 5% of Government research spending and attracts little charitable funding. Consequently, the BOA has formulated its Research Agenda. Joint Action is committed to raising funds essential for this vital work.

If bone, muscle or joint disease or injury has touched your life – Joint Action needs you. There are many ways that you can `Join the Action’ to raise funds essential for this vital work. See also the Joint Action Newsletter, which contains useful ideas for fundraising

The Joint Action Orthopaedic Research Appeal has been established to raise funds for the research programme from individuals, events, companies and charitable trusts. When sufficient funds have been raised, the Grants Committee puts out a Call for Applications to all UK based orthopaedic clinicians, surgeons and researchers.

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